Aoife Hegarty

Pope Benedict has told the people of Ardagh and Clonmacnois that they can be assured of his full encouragement as they prepare to restore St Mel's Cathedral in Longford.

The cathedral was devastated by a fire on Christmas morning causing millions of euro of damage.

In a letter, given to Bishop Colm O'Reilly during last week's meeting between the Pope and Irish bishops in Rome and read at masses in the diocese last weekend, Pope Benedict XVI said he had been ''deeply saddened'' to learn of the fire at St Mel's.

Fitting

''I wish to convey to you and to your people my closeness in prayer during this time of loss and trial. St Mel's Cathedral has served the Bishop and people of Ardagh and Clonmacnois well and it is fitting that you cherish this noble and sacred building in which the Lord has bestowed upon you and the faithful of the diocese grace and light for many generations.''

The Pope has pledged his full support to the project.

''Be assured of my encouragement as you prepare the work of restoration. I am confident that your appeal for assistance will be received by many open and generous hearts. I trust that the building will soon be restored as an expression of the holiness of the people of God who worship there and I pray that it may always be a sign of their renewed spiritual commitment to the Lord.''